Nation

New York

Old Dominion shooter released early

NEW YORK — The man who opened fire in a classroom at Virginia’s Old Dominion University completed a drug treatment program that allowed him early release from federal prison.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2017 to providing material support to the Islamic State group, according to prison records.

UTAH

Judge in Kirk case denies limiting media

PROVO — The Utah man accused of killing Charlie Kirk was back in court Friday as a state judge denied some efforts by his attorneys to restrict public access to court documents while not ruling out the possibility of closing portions of an upcoming hearing.

The outcome sets the stage for an April hearing in which attorneys for Tyler Robinson will make their case to exclude TV cameras, microphones and photographers from the courtroom.

World

Cuba

President confirms US talks amid crises

HAVANA — Cuba has held talks with the U.S. government, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Friday, marking the first time the Caribbean country has confirmed discussions with the Trump administration as it grapples with a severe energy crisis.

Díaz-Canel said the talks “were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations.

Congo

Drone strikes, clashes threaten peace efforts

GOMA — Congo’s government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels on Friday accused each other of violating terms of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending fighting and bringing permanent peace in the region.

Recent drone strikes and clashes have cast doubt over the peace deal and a separate minerals deal that Congo signed.